T
The
aboo about
attoos & Piercings
Staff and Students address the positives and negatives of having tattoos and piercings. Story By Zahra Khan and Riley Kelley
A
rt comes in many forms. One form 0most people don’t think about is tattoos and piercings. They have lllllllllbeen around for thousands of years, but they have come a long way since then. Tattoos today give people the chance to express themselves in a different way, but with that comes responsibility.
Self expression
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ome people choose to express iithemselves through fashion, lmakeup, or a colorful hairstyle. For others, tattoos and piercings can be a creative and more permanent form of self expression that reveals the person’s interests, passions and emotions. “I think that, sort of back to the old cliche, it’s just someone’s way of expressing more of themselves or who they are,” teacher Jessica Cordonier said. “In the same way that people use fashion to do that, tattoos are a more permanent way of expressing who you are or how you feel about things. [My tattoos] mostly reflect the books thatiI love and the messages that I think are
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InDepth November 22, 2016
important to carry through in my life.” Several students, teachers and staff find meaning in their tattoos. “Most of my tattoos are musical. My first one is a keyboard because I play the piano,” choir teacher Baker Purdon said. However, there are some people who just get tattoos for the looks. “They have no meaning behind it, not a single one. I just like them,” custodian Jesse Green said. “I drew most of my tattoos, I was always into art and thought wearing them would be a good idea.” To sophomore Austin Wilson, his three tattoos are a lot more than just body art. “I view them as stories,” Wilson said. “People don’t get them just to get them, there is usually a story behind it. Some can be family or some can be an inspiration or what you have completed in your lifetime. I have one on my left pec and then one on each calf.” Wilson’s first tattoo, located on his chest, serves as a constant reminder of the values he was raised by with a quote from his mother. His other tattoos, located on his calves, serve as a memorial for his late uncle who died of cancer alongside symbols of his accomplishments when
Photo by McKenna Hegger
hiking the Appalachian Trail. Wilson feels that his tattoos represent who he is and symbolize his family’s military background as well as his own desire to be in the military. Senior Katherine Shaffer might only have one tattoo, but the simple black tattoo on her wrist holds an enormous amount of meaning. “It’s the day my mom died so it’s basically the day my life changed,” Shaffer said. Using the tattoo as a memorial for her mother has allowed Shaffer to express what is important to her and she believes that everyone should have the opportunity to use tattoos as a form of self-expression. “I view them as something everyone can get if they want them to express themselves,” Shaffer said.
Health & Safety
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esponsibility begins with iihealth and safety concerns. iBefore getting a tattoo or piercing, iit is important to be aware of any health and safety hazards that come with the process. Before heading off to get a tattoo, it is
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